 Gyeonggi Province Governor Mi Ae Choo met Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on September 14
 Discussion on ways to expand cooperation in advanced industries, focusing on automotive and mobility, semiconductors, batteries and energy storage systems (ESS)
 Agreement on the need to expand ties among a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and young people
Gyeonggi Governor Mi Ae Choo met with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on September 14. The two governors agreed to build on the strengths of their respective regions, particularly in future mobility, and elevate their partnership into a global alliance.
The meeting was attended by a Michigan delegation visiting Korea to attract investment, including Governor Whitmer; David Coulter, Oakland County Executive; Zack Pohl, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Michigan; and Rachel Donaldson, Senior Vice President of Market Growth and Business Attraction at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
This marked Governor Choo’s first meeting with a delegation from one of Gyeonggi Province’s friendship regions since taking office. During the meeting, Governors Choo and Whitmer discussed their regions’ key industries and areas of interest, as well as ways to expand cooperation among companies and institutions in such sectors as automotive and mobility, semiconductors, batteries, power supply, and ESS.
“Gyeonggi Province and the State of Michigan are key partners that have built a deep friendship and mutual trust over the past 15 years,” Governor Choo said. “By combining Michigan’s automotive manufacturing capabilities with Gyeonggi’s expertise in semiconductors, batteries, and software, our two regions can jointly lead the development of technology standards and supply chains in the global future mobility market. I hope Gyeonggi and Michigan can advance together as a ‘global alliance for future mobility.’”
She added, “I hope we can establish a practical framework for administrative cooperation that provides companies entering and investing in each other’s markets with the information they need, helps them resolve challenges on the ground, and assists them throughout licensing and approval procedures. I also hope we can expand exchanges not only between companies but among a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and young people.”
Governor Whitmer responded, “Michigan and Gyeonggi are ready to develop industries together, share expertise, and shape the future.” She continued: “Michigan has reliable supply chains and cutting-edge manufacturing technology, as well as the highest concentration of engineers per capita in the US.”
“We look forward to sharing these strengths with our Korean partners and creating new opportunities for people in both regions,” she added. “We will continue working closely together to lead innovation across the globe.”
Governor Choo also expressed a sense of affinity with Governor Whitmer, saying, “We have much in common: we both have legal backgrounds and place great importance on principles; we are both women leaders responsible for the future of our respective regions; and neither of us compromises in the face of powerful interests or political pressure.”
Centered on Detroit, Michigan is a major industrial hub that has long led the US automotive industry. More recently, building on its established manufacturing base, the state has also been strengthening its competitiveness in key industries such as future mobility, semiconductors, and life sciences, as well as emerging industries including batteries and ESS, drones, and artificial intelligence.
Gyeonggi and Michigan have maintained close ties for 15 years since signing a memorandum of understanding on friendship and cooperation in 2011, with particular emphasis on cooperation in the automotive and mobility sector. Companies from Gyeonggi currently operate in Michigan across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, semiconductors, and batteries.
Building on this meeting, Gyeonggi Province plans to maintain its close relationship with the State of Michigan while identifying concrete opportunities for cooperation between companies and institutions in the two regions.